It’s that time again. This month is near and dear to my heart. It’s Celiac Disease Awareness month. It’s coincidental that I was diagnosed with celiac disease the same month that we now highlight this disease. A lot has happened in the last 21 years in regard to this disease. A few notable mentions include: improved diagnosis, increased public awareness, expanded gluten free products and continued efforts to establish legislation. The overall goal is to improve the quality of life for those with celiac disease. However, there are two things that haven’t changed. The gluten free diet remains the only treatment for celiac disease AND there is still no cure. How close are we to a cure for celiac disease? And why is this important?

• 1 in 100 people worldwide have celiac disease
• 1 in 133 Americans have celiac disease
• 50% of those on a gluten free diet still report symptoms
• 1 in 10 related family members have celiac disease
• Two times likely to have a cardiovascular disease
• Four times likely to suffer a small bowel cancer

These statistics indicate that the gluten free diet does not cure celiac disease and it is not enough. There is more to be done to help those that are diagnosed. Luckily, there are professionals who continue to conduct research for potential treatments and a cure. Thanks to the dedication of the Celiac Disease Foundation, the National Institute of Health (NIH) is establishing an office to help coordinate research related to these efforts. The NIH now understands that celiac disease research might very well impact the other 100+ autoimmune conditions that plague between 20 and 50 million Americans. If you have celiac disease, you may assist the current research by serving as an active participant. If you know someone with celiac disease, please forward this information to them.

If you have celiac disease, you may assist the current research by serving as an active participant. If you know someone with celiac disease, please forward this information to them.

Active Studies to Help Find Cure for Celiac Disease

Here is a list of active studies that are currently recruiting participants. And, you can also sign up at celiac.org to serve as a potential participant for future studies by joining the iCureCeliac Patient Registry. Here is the link to sign up for the research directory.

CeDar Rose Study

This study is completed in the convenience of your own home. No drug is included in this study. Compensation may be available.

Study Requirements:
-18-65 years of age
-Diagnosed with celiac disease
-Maintain a gluten free diet

Learn more and sign up here.

KAN-101-02 Study

This is a 1b/2 clinical study evaluating the effectiveness of a drug. The KAN-101 drug is designed to modify the response of the t cell to the gluten antigen. Compensation may be available.

Study Requirements:
-18-70 years of age
-Celiac disease confirmed by biopsy
-Gluten free diet for a minimum of 12 months
-Locations include Anaheim, CA; Columbus, OH, Saint Paul/Minneapolis/Rochester, MN; Salt Lake City, UT

Learn more and sign up here.

Proactive Celiac Study

Phase 2b clinical trial testing a specific medication, PRV-015. The goal of the study is to determine the interaction between this medication and a gluten free diet and its impact on symptom load and intestinal inflammation triggered by gluten exposure.

Study Requirements:
-18-70 years of age
-Celiac disease confirmed by biopsy
-Gluten free diet for a minimum of 12 months
-Currently experiencing celiac disease related symptoms

Learn more and sign up here.

Lily Study

Phase 1 study analyzing a medication, DONQ52. The function of this medication is to improve immune complex.

Study Requirements:
-18-65 years of age
-Celiac disease diagnosis
-Diagnostic biopsy

Learn more and sign up here.

If you are wondering if you qualify for any of these studies, please go to iCureCeliac here.

How close are we to a cure for celiac disease?

Together, we will be able to shed light on celiac disease and move one step closer to finding a cure!